Job Description
Job DescriptionBenefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Donation matching
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
- Training & development
- Tuition assistance
- Vision insurance
- Wellness resources
Location: Maryland (Onsite / Hybrid)
Employment Type: Contract (Full-Time)
About AKIVA
AKIVA is an AI-native engineering firm specializing in enterprise services, domain-specific solutions, and high-performance infrastructure from strategy through deployment. We build innovative systems that drive measurable results for commercial enterprises and government agencies. AKIVA is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
Position Overview
AKIVA is seeking a Network Operations Manager to oversee all operational aspects of a statewide enterprise network services program including NOC performance, monitoring, ticketing workflows, incident management, network and facility maintenance, and SLA compliance. The Network Operations Manager ensures the NOC and network operations function as a fully integrated, high-performance operational center running 24x7x365. AKIVA-provided AI-assisted event correlation, anomaly detection, and predictive alerting tools may be leveraged to accelerate incident response and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Direct daily operations of the 24x7x365 Network Operations Center
Ensure all incidents, service requests, and outage events are handled in accordance with SLAs
Maintain operational discipline, documentation accuracy, and real-time service visibility
Supervise NOC staff, shift leads, analysts, and escalation resources; oversee NOC training programs, certification paths, and competency development
Oversee monitoring coverage, alert accuracy, and event correlation; approve and enforce NOC SOPs, alerting rules, and ticketing workflows
Coordinate with Engineering, Service Assurance, Firewall teams, ISP/OSP field teams, and the client for integrated response
Lead response efforts for Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents; facilitate incident bridges and coordinate restoration efforts
Plan, coordinate, and execute scheduled maintenance activities; lead change management with proper approvals and testing
Conduct Root Cause Analyses (RCAs) and implement permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrence
Track and analyze network KPIs; maintain performance dashboards for internal and customer reporting; deliver operational reports and executive dashboards
Implement process improvements and introduce tools/automation to enhance operational efficiency
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or related field (equivalent work experience of five years may be substituted for a degree)
At least 5 years of experience in network operations, monitoring, troubleshooting, and/or provisioning including at least 2 years in a managerial or supervisory role
Proven leadership of 24x7x365 enterprise-class operations
Strong understanding of ITIL best practices, incident management, and service operations
Technical background in monitoring, routing/switching, provisioning, firewall basics, and service assurance
Full-time availability as dedicated Key Personnel; on-call during off-hours for escalations; must attend P1 and major incident bridges and operational reviews
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Qualifications
ITIL v4 Manager / Expert certification
Cisco CCNP or Juniper JNCIP-level certification (or equivalent)
Prior experience leading NOCs for state, federal, or large enterprise networks
Hands-on experience with ServiceNow ITSM and modern network monitoring/observability platforms
Familiarity with AI-assisted event correlation, anomaly detection, and predictive alerting tools
Tools, Technologies & Frameworks
Network Operations: 24x7x365 NOC leadership, incident management, change management, problem management | Frameworks: ITIL, ITSM | Systems: ServiceNow, monitoring/telemetry platforms | Technologies: routing/switching, firewall, provisioning, service assurance | Reporting: Incident Reports, Bi-Weekly Network Performance and Monthly Executive Dashboards, SLA Compliance Reports, Change Management Logs, Maintenance Schedule Reports, Problem Management Reports, Provisioning Trackers, Continuous Improvement Plans | AI Assist: event correlation, anomaly detection, predictive alerting
What AKIVA Offers
Professional development and skill-building opportunities
Supportive management team with veteran-owned company values
Opportunity to work on impactful state government technology programs
Long-term contract engagement with potential for extension
AI productivity tools and training provided at no cost to employees
Comprehensive Benefits Package
401(k) with generous company match
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Profit Sharing
Join Our AI Innovation Network
Interested in staying connected with AKIVA's AI initiatives, research, and opportunities?
Join our AI Innovation Network here: https://www.akiva.com/ai-network
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
AKIVA is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical disability, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that diversity among our teammates is critical to our success as a company, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people within a qualified candidate pool.
AKIVA is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).